Schoharie County has a new Dairy Princess.
With applause and smiles all around, Laurie Bradt of Cobleskill received the 2012-13 crown from her predecessor, Brittany Hagadorn, at the coronation Wednesday night at the Olde Tater Barn in Central Bridge.
For years--even decades--the Schoharie County Dairy Princess has promoted the dairy industry by visiting schools, speaking to groups and putting in hours at the Sunshine Fair.
But after 2003, the procession of princesses was interrupted. A revived Dairy Promotional Committee rejuvenated the program last year, and Brittany was the first princess in eight years. Laurie follows her.
Committee Chair Lisa Stanton said it was difficult to get the Dairy Pageant going again but said she's had a lot of help from her committee.
"We're learning as we go along," Ms. Stanton said.
Laurie and her competitor, Sydney Stanley, met with judges Rob Hudyncia, Jodi Marljva and Terri Holdridge, made dairy presentations before the audience of 50 and then fielded impromptu questions from Dottie Wilcox, emcee.
While judges deliberated, Dairy Ambassadors--girls who also promote the industry and help the Dairy Princess--presented a nutritional program they'd typically do in schools.
Ambassadors are Casey Face, Samantha Hauenstein, Kayla Stanton and Hailey Terk, and Junior Ambassadors are Abby DeSourmeau and Jade Face.
The audience also heard Brittany give her farewell address while the judges worked.
After she was crowned last year, Brittany appeared at the Dairy and Berry Festival, farmers' markets around the area, the Sunshine Fair and in area schools, including Mekeel Christian Academy in Schenectady.
One of Brittany's goals was to improve milk sales in schools; in particular, she wants schools to bring back milk vending machines to compete against those that sell less wholesome drinks.
She also touched on the Irene and Lee flooding, which devastated farms in the Schoharie Valley.
"I was overwhelmed by their spirit," Brittany said of farmers, and she urged the audience to support flood recovery by buying local dairy and farm products.
Stressing farmers' dedication, Brittany added: "They're always working, always improving, always serving others."
Brittany will remain with the Dairy Court to help Laurie and to promote dairy products.
When the judges returned, Ms. Wilcox admitted they had a "very difficult decision. It was extremely close."
Brittany then presented Sydney and Laurie with crowns and sashes, and the entire court led the audience in the real dairy food pledge.
Laurie is the daughter of Daniel Bradt and Kimberly Jones of Cobleskill, and Sydney is the daughter of Mike and Maria Stanley of Esperance.